LeBron James is back in Cleveland’s court, and a new book The Redemption of the King just hit the shelves. Author Vince McKee covers James’s entire journey in every detail both on and off the court — from the start of his career with the Cavaliers in Cleveland to his departure to Miami, his time with the Heat, and finally, the highly anticipated return of the “King.”
The Redemption of the King is a story that revolves more around hometown pride and character than money or celebrity. Over the next five days SheridanHoops.com exclusively will bring you excerpts of the new book, published by Clerisy Press. Click here to purchase.
Part 1: Introduction
Click on this photo of “The Redemption of the Kings” to purchase.
LeBron James is regarded by many as the greatest player in the history of high school basketball and is seen as having the potential to surpass Michael Jordan as the game’s greatest player of all time. In the early 2000s, because of his incoming talent, most NBA experts considered LeBron to be better than 75 percent of the then-current league’s talent before he played even one game. So it was no surprise when he forfeited his college eligibility and declared he would enter the 2003 NBA draft. For the Cavaliers, the chance to select LeBron as their first overall pick signaled a rebirth for the franchise, as well as for the city of Cleveland.
On May 22, 2003, after five years of no luck, Cleveland finally turned around their fate when they won the NBA draft lottery. The reason why the number-one pick was so crucial was that LeBron would be entering the draft. The Cavaliers were tied with the Denver Nuggets for the highest chance of winning the pick. It almost seemed like a dream come true for Cleveland fans, who, for so many years prior, had received every bad bounce of the ball and wrong turn along the way. Most fans stopped believing that good things could actually happen for their beloved teams. The fans had survived a drive, a fumble, a shot, Jose Mesa, and even their beloved Cleveland Browns leaving town, and now, for the first time in many years, something had finally gone their way. Legendary Cavaliers alumni Austin Carr was so moved with emotion by the lottery results that he was seen in tears following the announcement. Never before had the bounce of a little white lottery ball carried so much weight for the hopes and dreams of so many fans. The winds of change were finally blowing on the cold shores of Northeast Ohio, and its war-torn fans were set to receive some long-awaited hope at last. On paper, LeBron had every right to leave Cleveland as a free agent when his contract expired in the summer of 2010, which simply stated that he was drafted by the Cavaliers—not that he had chosen to play there. On paper, LeBron didn’t owe Cleveland anything more than his best effort, which he gave in full. However, life is based on so much more than what is written down on paper.
Excerpts of Chapter I: The Chosen One
LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984. He shares a birthday with other great athletes, such as Tiger Woods and Sandy Koufax. Perhaps this was an early sign that the young man was destined for greatness.
His mother, Gloria Marie James, was 16 years old when LeBron was born, and she raised the young prodigy on her own in Akron, Ohio. In an attempt to find stable work and a brighter future for her son, Gloria allowed LeBron to move in with the family of Frank Walker, a local youth football coach, who introduced LeBron to basketball when he was 9 years old. LeBron was instantly a star on the court, as he excelled playing with the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars in the Amateur Athletic Union, more commonly known as AAU basketball. The team, led by LeBron and his friends, enjoyed success on first a regional and then on a national level.
LeBron chose to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, which was well known for its athletics and high academic standards. He was a star athlete from the first moment his feet touched the gym floor at St. Vincent–St. Mary.
In his freshman year, LeBron averaged 21 points and 6 rebounds per game for the school’s varsity team. He led St. Vincent–St. Mary to a perfect 27–0 record and a Division III State Title championship win. In his sophomore year, LeBron averaged 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. A number of the team’s home games had to be relocated to the University of Akron as the demand was so high to see LeBron play, and the 5,492- seat Rhodes Arena would sell out in minutes of tickets going on sale.
NBA players who were in town to face the Cavaliers, including Michael Jordan, would drive out to Akron just to see him play. The hype around LeBron grew by the moment, and at the young age of 16, he was slated to be the next big thing in sports. There was demand from alumni, local fans, and college and NBA scouts who all wanted to see LeBron play.
His sophomore year was every bit as successful as his freshman year, and the team went 26–1 for the season and again won the state championship. LeBron was named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball and was selected to play with the USA Today All-USA High School Basketball First Team—the first-ever high school sophomore to do either. As LeBron’s success on the court spread, so did media interest in his talent.
Prior to the beginning of his junior year at St. Vincent–St. Mary, LeBron appeared in SLAM magazine, touted as potentially “the best high school basketball player in America right now,” according to Ryan Jones, former editor-in-chief of the publication. Later on in the season, LeBron would go on to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine—the first underclassman high school basketball player to do so.
LeBron continued his dominance as a junior by averaging 29 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. It was no surprise when he was once again named Ohio’s Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA High School Basketball First Team. LeBron quieted any remaining media analysts that had doubts about his talent when he also became the first junior to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award.
Click here to order your copy of “Redemption of the King” for $18.95.
(RELATED: Vince McKee discusses Redemption of the King)
Vince McKee is a growing force in the world of sports literature. His first four books, Hero, Cleveland’s Finest, Jacobs Field, and The Cleveland Cavaliers: A History of the Wine and Gold, all helped build his credibility as a top-notch chronicler of the impact of Ohio sports. He currently travels the country meeting with the public to spread the message of Hero. Vince is an avid Cleveland sports fan who enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Maggie. He is always willing to speak with his fans and critics and can be contacted by e-mail ([email protected]) or followed on Twitter (@vincetheauthor).
“LeBron’s Cosmic Connection”…… List of Facts
YOU HAVE TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO “LEBRON’S COSMIC CONNECTION” TO UNDERSTAND THE RELEVANCE OF THIS LIST.
My name is Rolando Pharr. I’m the gentleman who’s been telling the true story about LeBron James that I have termed “LeBron’s Cosmic Connection”. There are four major players in the story. Myself, LeBron, “Dr J” and Muhammad Ali. Here’s a quick recap…When I was 3 years old Muhammad Ali picked me up and carried me around….Muhammad Ali and later on “Dr J” were my sports idols…I was a member of the best basketball team in Akron. Our name was “Free Afrika”…When LeBron James was 3 months old, I raised him in the air (Kunta Kinte style) three separate times and Christened him to be the next “Dr J” each time…5 of my “Free Afrika” team mates participated in LeBron’s “Dr J” Christening. They raised a toast to him after the second time I raised him up…Gloria James witnessed the third time LeBron was Christened to be the next “Dr J”….I predicted to Gloria that LeBron would be an NBA star, play for the Cavs and be a high flying player like “Dr J”.
So here’s a list of facts surrounding the four major players. Some people are going to say these are just coincidences. I would like to share this list with LeBron and get his take on it.
1) My oldest brother, who was a Junior named after our dad, was burned and died in a horrible accident late on the night of January 16, 1942. He was only two years old. Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) was born hours later on January 17, 1942. This is not a fact, but I personally believe their spirits crossed paths at some point in time.
2) My dad and his first cousin were raised together as brother and sister. Her son is the great boxing trainer Janks Morton Sr…..My cousin Janks knows Muhammad Ali and worked closely with Ali’s longtime trainer and close friend Angelo Dundee. They worked together training boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Ray Leonard patterned some of his boxing style after Muhammad Ali’s.
3) I share the same birthday as LeBron’s High School team mate, best friend at that time, and son of his H.S coach and mentor… Dru Joyce III…..January 29.
4) Janks Morton’s sister (R.I.P)..was my favorite female cousin on my dads side. She was Sugar Ray Leonards oldest son Ray Jr.’s Godmother. Ray Jr. and Dr J’s daughter Jazmin are friends.
5) I have four great-nephews. The one that everyone says resembles my living brother has the same birthday as “Dr J”….February 22.
6) LeBron’s close friend, business partner and confidant is Maverick Carter. I met Maverick’s dad on Copley Rd in Akron when Maverick was a newborn. His dad was looking for an apartment and needed street directions. We talked for about 15 minutes. Part of our conversation was about Maverick’s future. I jokingly said that he would be a gambler (like the Maverick family on the TV western). His dad wanted him to become a businessman. We both concluded that if he just became a good productive citizen that would be cool. His dad gave me an “It’s a Boy” cigar which I kept until the early 2000’s. I never saw his dad again.
7) My only child’s grandmother, and my favorite aunt on my moms side are both members of the Grandmother’s for LeBrons’ Club.
8) LeBron and Muhammad Ali’s most famous child, Laila, share the same birthday…December 30.
9) Only one of the 6 men who participated in LeBron’s “Dr J” Christening is originally from Akron Ohio. Robert Davis graduated from and played varsity basketball for St. Vincent St Mary (1974).
10) My mothers maiden name initials were LBJ.
11) My living brother and LeBron’s youngest son Bryce share the same birthday…June 14.
12) Julius Erving became a professional boxer. Dr J’ s son Julius Erving III, a successful music mogul, decided to become a professional boxer. He was trained by Yahya McClain who was once married to and managed, Laila Ali.
13) Rich Paul and Maverick Carter’s music / entertainment division of LRMR Marketing is named 77 North. In the early 80’s I had a basketball team that played in NBA HOF’er Gus Johnson’s Summer League in Akron. Our name was 77 North.
14) Eddie Jackson Jr, the guy that LeBron called his dad, is my cousin. His grandmother and my mom were sisters. They were very close. He told me that he met LeBron when he was 8 months old. That was 5 months after LeBron’s “Dr J” Christening. We rarely talk. I never told him that I met LeBron before he did or anything about “LeBron’s Cosmic Connection”.
15) My only sister was born on St. Patricks Day, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Muhammad Ali’s Great-Grandfather was born in Ennis, Ireland. Ali fully embraces his Irish heritage and is extremely popular there. My sister witnessed Ali picking me up and carrying me around on April 9, 1964 in front of the Majestic Hotel on E. 55th and Central Ave. We were born and raised at 59th and Central Ave.
16) One of LeBron’s commercials shows him leaving the gym he built for St. Vincent St Mary. His jersey is hanging next to former NBA and Cavaliers player Jerome Lane’s. Jerome played on my 77 North squad the summer after his sophomore year of high school. He also played with “Free Afrika” in a few basketball tournaments. To my knowledge Jerome and LeBron are the only two players from St V. to play in the NBA.
17) LeBron and Cassius Clay both went to Miami and transformed themselves. In his “Coming Home” letter, LeBron says his four years in Miami helped raise him into who he has become. Cassius Clay went to Miami and became Muhammad Ali (Watch the PBS Documentary, Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami). When LeBron got to Miami he started boxing training at The 5th Street gym. Muhammad Ali and Ray Leonard trained at the original 5th Street Gym which was run by Chris and Angelo Dundee.
18) LeBron has shown immense love for “Dr J” even though he was two years old when Doc retired and never saw him play in person. In a Fox Sports interview from 2013 he picked “Dr J” as one of his choices for the three best NBA players ever. In a Huffington Post article from 3/18/10 he said that he wore the #6 in the Olympics and was switching to #6 in the NBA because “Dr J” was his second favorite player. He also stated that as a H.S freshman he wore #32 because “Dr J” wore that number first.
TO: LEBRON RAYMONE JAMES – A HEARTFELT LETTER FROM THE MAN WHO CHRISTENED YOU THE NEXT “DR J” AND PREDICTED YOU WOULD BE AN NBA STAR.
My name is Rolando Pharr. I am not a stalker or obsessed fan. I just have a very true story that I MUST share with you.
I’ve tried numerous ways of contacting you since 2007. On February 14, 2010 I sent a condensed email to Cleveland Scene magazine which they posted under the title “The Secret of LeBron’s Greatness Landed In my Inbox.” I was hoping that would get your attention. It didn’t.
In November 2012, local TV station 19 Action News covered part of this story. They reached out to your mom but never got a response. I’ve decided to reach out to you again through this letter.
Between January and May of 1985 our lives crossed paths. The story I have to share with you took place during that time. Some people will find it VERY hard to believe. Others will say they knew there was something “Special” about you. Either way, it’s a part of my destiny to tell you this story.
Your mom is a big part of the story. She was there as it unfolded and she will determine its outcome.
Will you and your mom PLEASE watch a Youtube video called “LeBron’s Cosmic Connection”. It was my first attempt at a Youtube video. The picture is dark and grainy and you have to cut up the volume but the message hits home. Your mom will recognize me. I considered her a friend. The video will definitely jog her memory.
“LeBron’s Cosmic Connection” is the untold true story of your connection to Global Icon, Muhammad Ali and NBA icon, Julius “Dr J” Erving. It details how I was carried around on the shoulders of Muhammad Ali when I was 3 years old and how Ali influenced my childhood. It describes how “Dr J” was my idol as a teen and young adult. How I was a member of the best basketball team in Akron called “Free Afrika”. It tells how your mom helped me a few hours a week at the Bottom Half Clothing store inside Rolling Acres Mall and how I sometimes watched you while she ran store errands.
It also tells the amazing story of how me and five of my “Free Afrika” team mates participated in Christening you to be the next “Dr J”. It’s true. When you were 3 months old, in the middle of The Bottom Half Clothing store, I raised your carry seat in the air three separate times and said “I Christen thee the next Dr J” each time. The second time I raised you above my head my team mates toasted you “To the next Dr J”. When your mom returned from running errands I told her about your Christenings and suggested we do it again. For the third time, with your mom to my immediate right, I raised you in the air and boldly said “I Christen thee the next Dr J”. When I handed you back to your mom she was visibly shaking. That’s why I’m 100% certain she will remember your “Dr J” Christening.
Did your “Dr J” Christening come true? No human can definitively say that it did or didn’t. Three facts that can’t be argued. When your Christening took place “Dr J” was still the face of the NBA, it’s most popular player and it’s most marketed player. You are currently all three of those things.
Watch all 4 of my Youtube videos. You may find some of my comments about your Cosmic Connection to Muhammad Ali very interesting. I personally believe you were given your Erving-esque basketball skills as a platform to make social change. Much in the way that Ali used his boxing platform. I read a couple of articles recently where people are starting to call you the Muhammad Ali of this generation. I made that statement on one of my videos a couple of years ago.
There’s more to the story. After you were Christened for the third time my team mates left the store. Your mom and I sat down and had lunch. You were in your carry seat facing us. I made three bold predictions to your mom. I told her that you would be an NBA star. That you would play for the Cleveland Cavaliers and that you would be a high flying player like “Dr J”. We then made a handshake agreement (twice). When you became an NBA star as I predicted, she would see to it that each one of the six men who participated in your “Dr J” Christening would be made a millionaire.
Ask your mom about your “Dr J” Christening and her millionaires Promise. It’s ironic that the Family Foundation you and your mom created adopted an “I Promise” campaign. Maybe it’s not irony. Perhaps the Universe is testing you. You ask your Foundation kids to make and keep their Promises. Will you and your mom lead by example and honor the 6 million dollar handshake Promise she made when you were 3 months old?
I have several sworn affidavits from eyewitnesses, and have plenty of concrete evidence to support all but one of my statements. Only two people on the planet can verify that a 6 million dollar handshake agreement took place. Me and your mom. To support my statements on that issue, I signed a sworn affidavit and have taken and passed multiple Polygraph Examinations. Two of those Polygraph results can be viewed @ rolanfarr on Twitter.
The 6 men who Christened you have made our own Promises. When your mom honors her Promise, we will donate $120 thousand dollars to Ebony Nettles Bey’s Cancer fund. We will help several area non-profit organizations and have plans to partner with an Akron group to start a scholarship program. Thats just for starters.
You’ve worked extremely hard to become the best basketball player on the planet but give the Universe credit for the incredible gifts you were given. 6ft 8 inches, 250+ pounds, near world class speed, an eidetic memory, a 40+ inch vertical leap, a 7ft + wingspan, above average sized hands and a high basketball I.Q. Why were you GIVEN these gifts?….I’m sure that answer will be revealed to you eventually. Just remember, you were raised in the air and Christened to be the next “Dr J” by Akron’s best basketball team and by a man who was touched by Muhammad Ali’s greatness. You were predicted to be an NBA star, play for the Cavs and be a high flying player like “Dr J”. All three of my predictions came true. Please Respect the Divine Powers of the Universe…because Anything is Possible!!
So there you have it. The untold true story that I HAD to share with you. I am predicting your mom will keep her Promise and you will embrace your Cosmic Connections. Whether this prediction comes true is entirely on you two. Please reach out to Muhammad Ali while you can. Spend some quality time with him, it will change your life. Do a basketball project with “Dr J”. That would be a gift to basketball fans young and old.
There’s a list of facts surrounding your Cosmic Connection that will make you go….. Hmmm. I’ll share that with you.
For seven years I’ve been hated on, hacked, blocked and judged but not once has anybody bothered to get an actual response from your mother. You and your mom have been blessed immensely. Honoring her millionaires Promise won’t break you financially. Yes, it’s a lot of money.. but she Promised. A timely response to this letter will be greatly appreciated. PLEASE don’t ignore it. Follow me on Twitter if you choose to embrace us. Everything else can be handled privately.
Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl.
Warmest Regards,
Rolando Pharr
P.S….Do The Right Thing before the 2015 NBA Playoffs start and The Universe may send some luck the Cavs way….or ’64 and counting.
PEACE
This is a great book, I would recomend it to any true sports fan! Or anyone who likes to read good books for that matter!